112 NATURAL HISTORY OF 



following cut). A similar structure is observable in 

 the anterior legs of the common Blister-beetle ; but 

 in this instance the notch is in the basal joint of the 

 tarsus, and is closed by a strong conical spine aris- 

 ing from the interior angle of the tibiae (fig. 2). 

 This apparatus is confined to the male, and, ac- 

 cording to the observations of M. Victor Audouin, 

 it is employed to lay hold of the antennae of the fe- 

 male, which it effectually secures. 



Fig. 1. Fig. 2. 



To answer a similar purpose, the tarsi of many 

 male carabideous insects are considerably dilated, 

 and clothed with hair in such a manner that they 

 act as suckers. In the males of the large water- 

 beetles especially, (genus Dytiscus), there is a singu- 

 lar and elaborate apparatus of this kind, the exami- 

 nation of which, to use the words of Messrs Kirby 

 and Spence, will almost compel the most inattentive 

 observer to glorify the wisdom and skill of the All- 

 father, so conspicuously manifested in the forma- 

 tion of these complex organs. The three first joints 



